MIP/QCM sensors for high sensitivity-fast sensing of small molecules in solution

Abstract

The present invention relates to quartz crystal microbalance sensors using molecular imprinting polymerization technology, providing for continuous on-line monitoring of water-borne organic contaminants.

1. A quartz crystal microbalance sensor using molecularly imprinted polymers comprising:
 a quartz crystal microbalance sensor having a surface;  
 a matrix of synthesized monomers coating said surface; and  
 a multifunctional monomer for use as an adhesive wherein said multifunctional monomer is bis(dehydroalanine) comprising the formula: 
                 
 
 
       wherein said multifunctional monomers adheres a polymerized matrix to said surface of said sensor, and said matrix is a molecularly imprinted polymer. 
     
     
       2. The sensor as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said synthesized monomers comprise acrylic monomers having aromatic linkers. 
     
     
       3. A quartz crystal microbalance sensor using molecularly imprinted polymers comprising:
 a quartz crystal microbalance sensor having a surface;  
 a matrix of acrylic monomers polymerized to coat said surface of said quartz microbalance sensor; and  
 a multifunctional monomer comprising bis(dehydroalanine) of the structure 
                 
 
 wherein said bis(dehysroalanine) adheres a polymerized matrix to said surface of said sensor, and wherein said matrix is molecularly imprinted.  
 
     
     
       4. An apparatus for detecting at least one contaminant in a solution, said apparatus comprising:
 a conduit;  
 a molecularly imprinted polymer to attract said contaminant, said molecularly imprinted polymer adhered with an adhesive which is bis(dehydroalanine) having the structure 
                 
 
 a quartz crystal microbalance sensor positioned within said conduit for sensing said contaminant attracted by said molecularly imprinted polymer such that said molecularly imprinted polymer is affixed to said quartz crystal microbalance sensor via said adhesive;  
 wherein said sensor sends a signal indicating said contaminant is present in said solution.  
 
     
     
       5. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 4  further comprising a microprocessor in communication with said sensor, said microprocessor being programmed to process said signal and determine the presence of said contaminant based upon the processed signal. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 4  further comprising a multifunctional monomer for use as an adhesive, wherein said multifunctional monomer adheres said molecularly imprinted polymer to said sensor. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said molecularly imprinted polymer is programmed to attract a contaminant selected from the group consisting of hexachlorobenzene, cyclohexane, chlorobenzene, benzene, and anisole.